Scanning through the entry record of this year’s 2009 Western Australian Targa West tarmac rally, I was delighted to see no much less than five Mk1 Ford Escorts entered in the basic competitiveness class. Possessing owned and competed in this legendary marque, I cannot aid but admire the tenacity and determination of the homeowners and motorists who keep on to put together and race these magnificent cars.
Because rahaescorts.com/escorts/nairobi in 1968, the Mk1 escort has persistently showcased in Rally competition around the world. For nearly seven several years right after it’s release, the MK1 Escort dominated the international rally scene, last but not least passing on the mantle to it really is equally dominant Mk2 successor.
Even today the Mk1 Escort is a well-known choice for younger drivers getting into Motorsport. Many famous rally legends have manufactured their commence in an Escort. The late Colin McRae campaigned escorts for a lot of years, no doubt influenced by his Father, 5 occasions British Champion Jimmy who can nevertheless be identified campaigning Escorts in the Historic competitions around Europe.
Yet another really proficient McRae in the condition of Alister will be competing in this year’s Targa West in a Ralliart well prepared Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 10 in the contemporary opposition classification. Alister dominated previous year’s Traditional category in a Porsche 911, I’m predicting he’ll be really challenging to conquer.
Possessing competed for the very last two a long time in this celebration, I will welcome the chance to get a action again and soak in the spectacle from a spectator’s perspective. Whilst experiencing the occasion from the confines of a TVR run Triumph TR8, I always had 1 eye firmly fastened on the Mk1 Escort Mexico’s and RS2000’s in the phases & support parks.
I will be seeing Alister’s performance at the pointy stop of the discipline with interest, but my coronary heart will be effectively and really fixed again in the classic competition group, exactly where the backbone tingling throaty roar of twin weber adorned Mk1 Escorts in total cry will truly be a sight to behold.
Alan Blackmore is a company operator, motor activity fanatic and diehard Ford Mk1 Escort fan.